Offshore Solutions BV (OSBV), a leader in heave-compensated marine access systems, has achieved more than 40,000 safe personnel transfers from a vessel to offshore platforms on its Offshore Access System (OAS) in the Gulf.

The company, a joint venture between AMEC and Cofely Nederland NV, has also recently secured two new contracts with major operators in Qatar for the safe transfer of personnel to and from offshore platforms, bringing the total of OAS units in the Middle East to three.

This underlines the benefits of the OAS in maintaining operational efficiency, particularly in the adverse weather conditions Qatar experiences over the winter months, during which time the ability to transfer personnel to an offshore installation by helicopter or boat landing is severely restricted, a statement said.

It is the only heave-compensated gangway on the market that can remain permanently connected to an offshore installation in sea states of up to three metres significant wave height, the statement added.

With six years global experience, the company’s OAS has made in excess of 7,700 operational connections and transferred more than 123,000 personnel.

Lindsay Young, managing director of OSBV, said: “We continue to build on our impressive track record offshore Qatar, with three units now in the country. These latest successes for the OAS highlight the effectiveness of the system in The Gulf and its ability to ensure continued operations in challenging conditions.”

“The operational and safety benefits of the OAS are widely recognised. It can dramatically improve efficiency and optimise the workforce, which will ultimately lead to considerable cost reductions,” he added.

Offshore Solutions has been operating in Qatar since 2010, and as a result of growing demand for the OAS in The Gulf, the company has underlined its commitment to the region by registering a branch office in Qatar.

“We have been continually developing our business in Qatar since our first contract with Shell”, Young continued.

“The three units, and potential of more before the end of this year, have secured our position in the Middle East and our base in Qatar will allow us to capitalise on these opportunities and grow the business further.” – TradeArabia News Service